The Integrative Design Method for Bridges

Abstract

The development of numerical tools allows the analysis of any structure, regardless of its level of complexity. Given this, emphasis must be put on conceptual design to define all characteristics of a bridge prior to its analysis. Conceptual design can be considered an art form with a unique area of competence. In Switzerland, the bridge building process is often initiated by a design competition. To efficiently enter and win these competitions, a specific conceptual design method called the “integrative design method” was developed and is presented in this paper. This method consists of creating a bridge that combines all requirements using a global approach to find a unique single structure. Applying the integrative design method thus avoids creating a structure by simply assembling a set of individual industrial products; rather, it allows all requirements to be integrated into one specific structure, with bridge engineers engaging in an integrative process that results in the creation of a unique bridge. The application of the integrative design method is described, along with three competition-winning bridge designs.